Age no barrier for salesman who climbs up and down ships

SALESMAN Roger Tan, 67, will not think twice about climbing on board 10-storey-tall ships if their diesel engines need repair.

The lean and tanned grandfather, who sells spare parts of diesel engines, said he does it to inspect which parts need to be fixed or replaced.

Admitting that his job is "not glamorous", Mr Tan said he chalks up sales worth several millions each year for his company.

"My record is $15 million two years ago," said the oldest salesman in local engineering firm Chong Lee Leong Seng.

Its managing director Lau Huan Yeong told The Straits Times that Mr Tan has been with the company for 30 years, and there is no doubt about his continued employment with the company because he is still able to make sales.

Yesterday, the company was singled out by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency for valuing older workers and tapping a government scheme to hire workers.

Five of its 84 workers are older than 62.

SALESMAN Roger Tan, 67, will not think twice about climbing on board 10-storey-tall ships if their diesel engines need repair.

The lean and tanned grandfather, who sells spare parts of diesel engines, said he does it to inspect which parts need to be fixed or replaced.

Admitting that his job is "not glamorous", Mr Tan said he chalks up sales worth several millions each year for his company.

"My record is $15 million two years ago," said the oldest salesman in local engineering firm Chong Lee Leong Seng.

Its managing director Lau Huan Yeong told The Straits Times that Mr Tan has been with the company for 30 years, and there is no doubt about his continued employment with the company because he is still able to make sales.

Yesterday, the company was singled out by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency for valuing older workers and tapping a government scheme to hire workers.